1991 Zaire unrest

In September and October 1991, Zaire (modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo) experienced substantial violent unrest, as several Zairian Armed Forces units mutinied and rioted, soon joined by civilian protesters and looters. While the revolting soldiers primarily demanded more reliable and higher wages and it remained unclear whether they had any political motives, many civilians demanded the end of President Mobutu Sese Seko's repressive and corrupt dictatorship. The unrest started in Zaire's capital Kinshasa, and quickly spread to other cities. Large-scale looting caused massive property and economic damage, but the unrest resulted in no clear political changes. Zaire remained locked in a political crisis until 1996–1997, when Mobutu was overthrown during the First Congo War.

Unrest in Zaire
Part of the collapse of Zaire
Date	September–October 1991
Location	Several cities across Zaire
Caused by	Government corruption Unreliable and poor pay for most FAZ soldiers Political repression Economic crisis Failure to implement promised reforms
Goals	End of Mobutism Improvement in pay for FAZ soldiers Plunder Overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko
Methods	Arson, demonstrations, mutiny, looting, rioting
Resulted in	Substantial damage to property, infrastructure, and Zaire's economy Paratrooper training discontinued Opposition leader Étienne Tshisekedi appointed as Prime Minister of Zaire, but fired after three weeks
Parties to the civil conflict
Zairian government FAZ loyalists SARM  France  Belgium Supported by:  United States  Portugal FAZ mutineers Civilian protesters, including looters
Lead figures
Mobutu Sese Seko Donatien Mahele Lieko Bokungu No centralized leadership
Number
? (including DSP, SARM) 1,000 1,100 Several brigades of mutineers Many civilians
Casualties and losses
Deaths: 200+ Injuries: 1,250+